unorthodoxy

As Europe became exceedingly religious and superstitious, alchemists began to cloak their work in symbolism and mystery - after all, if no one could discern their purpose, they could not be accused of unorthodoxy.

All of this expresses very well a necessary order and a determinate process, but one into which freedom, unorthodoxy and the sphere of the gratuitous and spontaneous cannot penetrate.

Listeners to Lionel Blue's Thought for the Day on Radio 4's Today will be familiar with the rabbi's brand of affability, generosity, unorthodoxy, humour and homespun wisdom.